Fireworks!

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebrations. Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain. Around 100 people on average go the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries in each town, each time we have a celebration that involves fireworks. The worst of these is to the eye

Fireworks are not toys. They are explosives and the injuries they can cause can be devastating.

Here are some facts about fireworks and potential risks of not using them properly.

• ·         Sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil. (At least some of you know how hot that is!!)
• ·         A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph.
• ·         A firework shell can reach as high as 200 meters.
• ·         Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch (2000°C)
• ·         You see the explosion of a firework before hearing it because sound travels at 761mph, but light travels at 671 million mph.
• ·         The majority of firework-related injuries happen at family or private parties.
• ·         Around half of all injuries are to children under the age of 17.
• ·         The most common injuries are to hands, followed by the eyes and face.

Remember, you can help prevent fireworks-related injuries in your community & beyond by spreading the word & staying alert.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:  

• ·         Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• ·         Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• ·         Keep flammable liquids like petrol and kerosene away from a firework arena
• ·         DO NOT play with fireworks seated on a motorcycle or inside a car
• ·         Never use fireworks inside the house
• ·         Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• ·         Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• ·         Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• ·         Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• ·         Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• ·         Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• ·         After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• ·         Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed by firework. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.